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I remember when I first tried zucchini, it was love at first bite. My grandma used to make the best zucchini bread, filling our kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe for Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Zucchini is my attempt to bring a bit of that cozy feeling to your dinner table, but with a healthy, low-carb spin. It's funny, i didn't think zucchini could be made so delicious.
What's so great about these zucchini boats? Well, for starters, they're incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken work just as well, or you could even go vegetarian with a mix of lentils and veggies. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free pleasure. They make for an impressive presentation too, that you dont wanna miss out!
Cooking should be an adventure, not a chore. And this recipe? It's an invitation to get creative in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices, cheeses, or toppings. Maybe add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless, so why not make these zucchini boats your own personal masterpiece? This stuff is too good to be true!
Required Equipments
Oven
Baking Dish
Large Skillet
Spoon
Food Processor (optional)
Knife
Cutting Board
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Zucchini: Frequently Asked Questions
Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Zucchini
These Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Zucchini boats are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food! A flavorful combination of savory ground beef, tender cauliflower rice, and garden-fresh zucchini, baked to perfection.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your oven ahead of time ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
Wash the zucchini: Gently scrub the zucchini under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Make sure not to skip this, it's important!
Cut the zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch border. This creates the 'boats' for the filling. Set the scooped-out zucchini flesh aside for later use.
Prepare the cauliflower rice: If using fresh cauliflower, pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. Alternatively, use pre-made cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen, thawed).
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants that!
Add aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, these are important.
Incorporate zucchini: Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and add it to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stuff the zucchini boats: Spoon the ground beef and cauliflower rice mixture evenly into the zucchini boats. Pack it in nicely!
Add cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) over the stuffed zucchini boats. I personally love doing this.
Bake: Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking.
Garnish (optional): Garnish the baked zucchini boats with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. It's a beautifull addition!
Serve: Carefully remove the zucchini boats from the baking dish and serve warm. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu.
Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.